BlackBerry Torch 9850

Not Upgradable to QNX ?

Have a storm 2 now and like the BB OS but longing for a better web experience. Verizon store suggested it could be upgraded to QNX but web search looks like that needs two processors. I cabn't be stuck with another lame duck for 2 years and will probably be switching to Android or IPhone 5. Just wanted to comment.

I apologize! Still a Storm2 user and having a little fun responding to a lame thread that has no logic to it at all. QNX compatible with the Drip2? Hey its not even developed for handsets yet and the release will be light years away considering RIM's past performance. The guy who Posted that nonsense is defecting anyway and couldn't really be serious with a question like that.

The Torch does not light it up for me. A downgrade from the 9850s metal & glass to cheap plastic. I'm a fan of Sure-Press. Just handling the 9850 will open unwanted action. So, in as much as this is a Torch Forum, one might as himself what genius designed those side keys and that form factor in the first place? Sure-Scratch? Has anyone seen a screen protector...(continues)

I posted these comments on the Sprint 9850 Forum a few weeks ago. It belongs here, too, and I think there's quite a bit of logic to these observations....

Nowadays, texting has become more imperative on a cell phone, than composing emails, because many of your email recipients may not be availed with lap or desktop computers at a particular time. All, however, will have handset devices with them.

For quick communication, that text, and the ability to send it on the go, requires an accurate, convenient typing experience. From what I read on the Phonescoop review, the Torch is horrible...typo city, even in landscape position. Though the Storm improved from the original release, software key boards have never been a RIM strong point....(continues)

stormsurvivor, thanks for the last two posts. I really do appreciate your technical competence, far greater than my own. I'm still running my Storm 1, and trying to decide whether or not the 9850 is worth upgrading to. So far I have not bothered to stop by Verizon for a hands-on look. I will probably wait for a while, but I often wonder if waiting is an endless loop, never being satisfied and always waiting for the next disappointment. I'm not a big app user. My main uses are scheduling and email. A few texts and pictures, and of course, it's a PHONE first and foremost. I don't know what QNX will do for me. Can you give a non-technical view of why I should wait for it? Thanks.

Shamrock, your experience with the 9530 with 5.0 is not dissimilar to my 9550 with OS5.0.713.

I did purchase the Torch and returned in a few days later. The form factor, coupled with user interaction determined its fate for me. From a physical standpoint, I was not impressed with the hardware or its design. The device is built with a plastic screen that is way too sensitive for handling and very susceptible to scratching, as opposed to Sure-Press with glass screen on your device....Much more accurate. I found keys on the Torch invoking merely by taking the phone out of a belt holster.

The virtual keyboard earns all the criticism bestowed upon it by leading tech reviews (this site/BGR, and many more). RIM does not design a virtual ...(continues)

stormsurvivor, Thanks. I will probably keep my 9530 for a while. It does still do the basics that I need. The browser could be faster, but I have a computer for that. I was tempted to look at the rumored Iphone 5. But even Apple disappoints these days. Hopefully I will not become an Idweeb, but RIM may drive me to it eventually. It will be interesting t see if RIM will survive, or be gobbled up by somebody. Tech companies come and go.

For your needs, if you like touch devices, its the way to go for now. Remember, your device looks and feels like a smartphone should. Carrying around a Torch is reminiscent of a $29 buy/one/get one free handset. It really has an awful form factor of cheap feeling and looking components, and will go the way of the original At&T Torch (thrown under that bridge), not even half way thru your contract. I don't expect much from RIM anymore as it pertains to QNX either. They do not respond very well to the competition and have developed a pattern of mis-steps that is pervasive.

The Iphone platform still rocks over BB with the addition of ICloud service and the Siri feature. They miss the boat, however, on two fronts. Could have made the dev...(continues)

I'm glad you understand how your question, as worded, appeared to be referring to the Storm2, which a great many users would consider an upgrade defining it as a smart phone to be a major RIM accomplishment.

No, the Torch cannot be upgraded to QNX, by any dimension. The two core performers, OS7 & QNX will have completely different parameters by which to function. QNX will be written & developed with 100% incompatibility for the 9850 series. This is not a case of the hardware having insufficient operating capacity. You have apples & pears here. Its not just dual core processors or whatever enhancements RIM writes into this software. The QNX platform brings a whole new ballgame to BB devices. One that will either make or break them......(continues)